Musical lineup for 2011 Taste of Pinellas takes the cake

We here at Weekend declare this year's Taste of Pinellas musical lineup to be the best ever. Nothing against hard-tourin' '80s acts or anyone involved with Herman's Hermits, but local concert impresario Bill Edwards is bringing in a bevy of acts to Vinoy Park that are relevant and/or really, really cool. Here's a quick look at the best of the fest. Sean Daly, Times pop music critic

Friday

Josh Turner (6:15 p.m.) Such is his allure with boot-scootin' gals (and the randy boys who follow), country hunk Turner will bring in the biggest crowd of the weekend. His 2009 hit Why Don't We Just Dance will turn the waterfront into a big ol' honky-tonk. Should be a fun one.

Chris Isaak (8:15 p.m.) Love everything about this Northern Cali retro rocker: his, yodel-y croon on Wicked Game, his rambunctious Orbison jones on American Boy, his smirky, smart-aleck routine between songs. And just wait 'til he busts out his infamous mirror-ball jacket.

Saturday

Buddy Guy (6:45 p.m.) The greatest Chicago blues picker of all time? Maybe, just maybe. George "Buddy" Guy is 74 now, but he's still Stone Crazy, and no one will laugh when you squint your eyes like you're in pain, pick up an air guitar and play along.

Bonnie Raitt (8:30 p.m.) First, Buddy Guy, then Bonnie Raitt, the wickedest woman on the slide guitar? Too much, Taste of Pinellas, too much. Raitt is a smirky she-devil in concert, keeping things slinky and sexy. But we might get lucky and hear her low-moan that heartache classic I Can't Make You Love Me.

Sunday

Allison Iraheta (2:45 p.m.) The growly rock chick from Season 8 of American Idol is still trying to find her footing post-Seacrest. But unlike the majority of AI alums, Iraheta had a winner with her debut album, 2010's Just Like You, and its Joan Jettified hit Friday I'll Be Over U.

Colbie Caillat (3:45 p.m.) We're changing our minds: Blond cutie Caillat will have the biggest crowd of the weekend. Or at least the bubbliest. See the accompanying profile on the SoCal pop singer to find out why.

Third Eye Blind (5:30 p.m.) Sly songwriter Stephan Jenkins and his mates in TEB had their biggest success in the late '90s: Semi-Charmed Life, How's It Going to Be, Jumper. But because the band's maniacally catchy songs are impossible to gouge out of your head, they continue to thrive on the live scene.

IF YOU GO:St. Petersburg's annual food and music festival on the waterfront features more than 40 restaurants, a Beer Garden, chef demonstrations and an interactive Family Fun Zone (noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday) in Vinoy Park, 501 Fifth Ave. NE. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. $10 advance, $12 seniors/military, $15 day of event; children 12 and under free. tasteofpinellas.com.